Court proceedings across the Rawalpindi division were severely disrupted after a newly introduced digital white-paper stamp system failed to function properly during its initial rollout. The technical breakdown prevented the issuance of stamp papers for two consecutive days, effectively halting legal processes in several courts.
Lawyers reported that they were unable to file new cases, High Court petitions, appeals, or bail applications, while replies in ongoing cases also remained pending due to the absence of valid stamp papers.
Sudden shift from e-stamp system sparks confusion
The disruption followed the Punjab Board of Revenue’s decision to scrap the previous e-stamp paper system, which had been in use for about two years. Authorities replaced it with a new digital white-paper format that allows stamp papers to be downloaded and printed on regular sheets.
As part of the change, the role of the Bank of Punjab in issuing stamp papers was abolished, with the responsibility shifting back to licensed stamp vendors. However, the newly launched portal remained largely inaccessible during the first two days, leaving vendors unable to generate any documents.
Citizens face difficulties obtaining documents
The system failure caused widespread inconvenience for citizens who needed stamp papers for routine administrative matters. People requiring documents worth Rs100 to Rs1,200 for services such as electricity or gas connections, domicile certificates, job applications and other official purposes were unable to obtain them.
Long queues formed outside stamp vendors’ offices, but many customers eventually left without completing their paperwork due to the continued technical issues.
Concerns over durability of new white-paper format
The transition also ended the use of the traditional yellow stamp paper, a format that had been used for nearly two centuries for property registrations, affidavits, and powers of attorney. Officials replaced it with a printable digital format, raising concerns among lawyers about the long-term durability of important legal documents.
Legal representatives questioned why the earlier system was discontinued before the new platform was fully operational, warning that frequent changes could disrupt legal proceedings and administrative processes.
Lawyers demand stable digital infrastructure
Members of the legal community urged authorities to stabilise the digital system quickly, stressing that court operations depend heavily on the timely availability of stamp papers.
Until the new portal becomes fully functional, lawyers and citizens fear that case filings, legal documentation, and routine administrative tasks may continue to face delays, adding pressure to an already burdened judicial system.
